The train and bus are both equally convenient ways to get from the Florence city center to Siena. As opposed to the train, the bus lands you right into Siena's city walls. The train views between the two cities, however, are arguably more scenic.

The train ride from Florence to Siena is moderately scenic, particularly as you move deeper into the heart of the Tuscan countryside, but it is not considered one of Italy's "spectacular" rail routes. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a regional train. The first half of the trip is relatively industrial and suburban as you exit Florence, but the second half offers lovely views of rolling hills, olive groves, and traditional stone farmhouses characteristic of the Chianti region. However, there is a catch: the Siena train station is located at the bottom of a hill, quite far from the medieval city center, requiring a bus or a long series of escalators to reach the historic core. Because of this, many seasoned travelers actually recommend taking the SITA "Rapida" Bus instead of the train. The bus takes a more direct route through the hills, is just as scenic (if not more so), and drops you off at Piazza Gramsci, which is just a short walk from the famous Piazza del Campo. While the train is comfortable and reliable, the bus offers a more convenient and equally beautiful introduction to the Tuscan landscape.